U.S. patent number 11,030,569 [Application Number 15/753,481] was granted by the patent office on 2021-06-08 for package exchange service using local delivery services.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC. Invention is credited to Seval Oz, Tammer Zein-El-Abedein, Yao Zhao.
United States Patent |
11,030,569 |
Oz , et al. |
June 8, 2021 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Package exchange service using local delivery services
Abstract
A cloud-based package-exchange-service for package delivery to,
and pick-up from, a target vehicle includes a GPS-based proximity
module. The GPS-based proximity module receives current GPS
coordinates of a package delivery vehicle and of the target
vehicle. The GPS-based proximity module stores both GPS
coordinates. The GPS-based proximity module monitors a distance
between the package delivery vehicle and the target vehicle of the
customer. The cloud-based system also has a delivery module in the
first server associated with a second database. The delivery module
includes one or more lists of local delivery services that include
registered individuals to be assigned for package exchange
operations. The lists of local delivery services also include
package delivery restrictions and conditions including package
size, hours of operation, distance to operate, and delivery
prices.
Inventors: |
Oz; Seval (San Jose, CA),
Zein-El-Abedein; Tammer (Campbell, CA), Zhao; Yao
(Fremont, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Continental Intelligent
Transportation Systems, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
55130276 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/753,481 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2016 |
PCT
Filed: |
August 22, 2016 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2016/047967 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
February 19, 2018 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2017/035052 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
March 02, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180240067 A1 |
Aug 23, 2018 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
62209229 |
Aug 24, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
10/0833 (20130101); G06F 16/951 (20190101); H04W
12/08 (20130101); G06Q 10/08 (20130101); G06Q
30/0611 (20130101); G07C 9/00182 (20130101); G07C
2009/00198 (20130101); G06Q 30/0641 (20130101); G06K
7/10297 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04L
29/00 (20060101); G06Q 10/08 (20120101); G06F
16/951 (20190101); G06Q 30/06 (20120101); G07C
9/00 (20200101); H04W 12/08 (20210101); G06K
7/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;726/7 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
InFin ID Technologies/ RFID Tracking Tracing Software website/
2015/
https://www.infinidtech.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA7939BRBMEiwA-hX5J5WSq2DD6YyHoQ-
x-ulnJV3Vs3xhUVyxV2Gv_C07h3NMX2nY8YeKNpRoCeGEQAvD_BwE (Year: 2015).
cited by examiner .
Tammy Trimble, Darrell Bowman/Market Guide to Fleet Telematics/Dec.
21, 2012/Transportation Institue/pp. 1-59 (Year: 2012). cited by
examiner .
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Nov. 4, 2016
from corresponding International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2016/047967. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Mehedi; Morshed
Assistant Examiner: Anderson; Michael D
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A cloud based system for package exchange to and from a target
vehicle, comprising: a cloud based package-exchange-service hosted
on a cloud based provider site that includes one or more servers
each having one or more processors, the servers are configured to
communicate with one or more databases in the cloud based provider
site; one or more local delivery sites, each with one or more
servers each having one or more processors, the servers are
configured to communicate with the servers of the cloud based
package exchange service to facilitate a delivery of one or more
packages to one or more target vehicles, where the servers of the
one or more local delivery sites and the servers of the cloud based
package-exchange-service are configured to exchange information
including user information, package information, store information,
vehicle information and expected vehicle location information; a
GPS-based proximity module in a first server associated with
package-exchange-service is configured to receive both current GPS
coordinates of a package delivery vehicle and current GPS
coordinates of the target vehicle of a customer for at least one
package exchange operation to the target vehicle of the customer
and to store both GPS coordinates in a first database of the cloud
based provider site, wherein the GPS-based proximity module is
configured to monitor a distance between the package delivery
vehicle and the target vehicle of the customer; a delivery module
in the first server associated with a second database of the cloud
based system includes a first list of local delivery services, the
first list of local delivery services includes registered
individuals to be assigned to package exchange operations, where
the first list of local delivery services also includes package
delivery restrictions and conditions including package size, hours
of operation, distance to operate, and delivery prices, where the
customer is configured to search and select a local delivery
service; a security module in the first server associated with the
package-exchange-service is configured to setup the at least one
package exchange operation including 1) directing the package
delivery vehicle to the target vehicle of the customer, 2) opening
and/or unlocking the target vehicle of the customer to ensure the
at least one package exchange operation can be performed with the
target vehicle of the customer, 3) ensuring the at least one
package exchange operation have been performed, and 4) after
performing the at least one package exchange operation, ensuring
the target vehicle of the customer is closed and locked and the at
least one package exchange operation is complete; where the
security module in cooperation with the GPS-based proximity module
is further configured to send to the target vehicle of the customer
one or more functional commands 1) to wake-up an on-board actuation
module in the target vehicle of the customer while in a close
proximity established by a first threshold distance between the
package delivery vehicle and the target vehicle of the customer, 2)
to give an alert from the target vehicle of the customer while in a
close proximity established by a second threshold distance between
the package delivery vehicle and the target vehicle of the
customer, 3) to unlock a door of the target vehicle of the
customer, and 4) to lock the doors of the target vehicle of the
customer after receiving a confirmation of a completion of the at
least one package exchange operation; wherein the security module
is configured to receive a first virtual key via a first port and
one of 1) a request for the package-exchange-service, 2) data, or
3) both, from a first client device associated with the package
delivery vehicle, where the first virtual key having a first shelf
life and is stored in a first database of the cloud based system,
and where the first virtual key is used by the security module for
a first authentication of communications from the first client
device; where the security module is further configured to receive
a security token associated with both a customer and the target
vehicle from a second client device associated with the customer,
the security token having a second shelf life, where the security
token is used for a verification of the customer and target
vehicle; and wherein the security module is configured to send to
any of i) the first client device, ii) one or more application
programming interfaces of a server of a third party site or iii)
internally to another module within the cloud based system for a
package-transfer-service, the security token for verification and
the one or more functional commands regarding the target vehicle to
be executed, after the first authentication and in an overlap
window of time between the first shelf life and the second shelf
life, where the security module is configured to send the one or
more functional commands regarding the vehicle 1) based on the
request from the first client device, or 2) initiated by the
security module, where the security module is configured to send
the one or more functional commands regarding the vehicle over a
network to either a local client device or over the network via the
one or more application programming interfaces of the server of
third party site to an on-board actuation module installed in the
target vehicle, where in response to the commands, the on-board
actuation module is configured to cause an electro-mechanical
operation in the target vehicle to any of i) open up a door, a
window, or a trunk of the target vehicle, ii) unlock the door or
the trunk of the target vehicle, and iii) any combination of these
two, so that the package delivery service can perform the at least
one package exchange operation with the target vehicle.
2. The cloud based system of claim 1, wherein the on-board
actuation module is one of: 1) an on-board telematics module
coupled to a network of a telematics provider, where using
customer's credentials and after a customer login through the
second client device to the telematics provider, in response to a
customer request, the telematics provider is configured to provide
the security token to the second client device of the user via a
first secure communication; wherein before sending a command on
behalf of the customer to the telematics provider, the security
module is configured to send the security token to a server of the
telematics provider, where the security token is used by a
verification module running on one or more servers of a telematics
provider to verify the customer and target vehicle, where in
response to receiving the security token and after the
verification, the telematics provider supplies, via a second secure
communication, a second virtual key to the security module to be
used for authenticating communications from the security module to
the telematics provider; and wherein the security module is
configured to send the second virtual key and the functional
commands to the telematics provider, where the one or more servers
of the telematics provider perform a second authentication using
the second virtual key before sending the functional commands to
the on-board telematics module in the target vehicle; 2) an
on-board dongle module having a Wi-Fi or cellular communication
circuit configured to establish a secure communication with the
security module to receive the commands and the security token via
the local client device, where the on-board dongle module includes
an RF circuitry of a key fob and is configured to perform the
commands by transmitting RF signals that include the commands to a
Body Control Module (BCM) of the target vehicle of the customer,
where the security token is a rolling security key of the BCM that
is included in the transmitted signals and is use by the BMC for
verifying the authentication of the commands; or 3) an on-board RF
module having a radio frequency communication circuit configured to
establish a secure communication with the security module to
receive the commands and the security token via the local client
device, where the on-board RF module includes an RF circuitry of a
key fob and is configured to perform the commands by transmitting
RF signals.
3. The cloud based system of claim 2, wherein the current GPS
coordinates of the package delivery vehicle is transmitted from a
GPS-based delivery application resident in the first client device
associated with a package delivery vehicle, the first client device
residing 1) in the package delivery vehicle, or 2) in a handheld
tool that travels with a delivery person of the package delivery
vehicle, where the GPS-based delivery application transmits the
current GPS coordinates of the package delivery vehicle along with
the first virtual key for authentication, where the GPS-based
delivery application is downloadable or otherwise electronically
distributed to the first client device from a database in the cloud
based provider; wherein when the on-board actuation module of the
target vehicle is the on-board telematics module, the on-board
telematics module is configured to send the current GPS coordinates
of the target vehicle to the server of the telematics provider, and
wherein server of the telematics provider is configured to send the
GPS coordinates of the target vehicle to the cloud based system
having the GPS-based proximity module, where the data is
transmitted, via a secure communication, from the telematics
provider to the GPS-based proximity module; wherein when the
on-board actuation module of the target vehicle is the on-board
dongle module, the on-board dongle module is coupled to a fault and
diagnostic module installed in the target vehicle of the customer
and is configured to retrieve diagnostic data including the current
GPS coordinates of the target vehicle of the customer, the on-board
dongle module is configured to send the current GPS coordinates of
the target vehicle of the customer via a Wi-Fi or cellular
communication and the local client device to the GPS-based
proximity module; and wherein when the on-board actuation module of
the target vehicle is an on-board RF module, the current GPS
coordinates of the target vehicle is calculated by the second
client device of the customer at an instance the target vehicle is
locked, where the current GPS coordinates are uploaded from the
second client device of the customer through the cellular
communication to the GPS-based proximity module.
4. The cloud based system of claim 3, wherein a shipping and
tracking module in the one or more of servers of the cloud based
package-exchange-service is configured to supply servers and
databases of one or more retail websites with information regarding
services for package exchange operations available to one or more
customers and associated vehicles of the customers, where the
shipping and tracking module is configured to provide package
delivery services information for the package exchange operations
with a vehicle of a customer to a second server of a first retail
website, the package delivery services information includes either
of 1) one or more package delivery systems with their servers that
are set up to cooperate with the servers of the
package-exchange-service to deliver one or more purchased products
from the first retail website to an associated target vehicle of
the customer, or 2) the first list of local delivery services,
where the package delivery services information which is sent from
the first server of the package-exchange-service to the second
server of the first retail website enables the first retail website
to present a button on a user interface of a shopping application
resident on a first client device of the customer, the first client
device is coupled to the first retail website for purchasing
products from the first retail website, where the presented button
is configured to enable the customer at a checkout point of the
purchase from the first retail website, to select an alternative
package delivery option of delivering the one or more purchased
products to the associated target vehicle of the customer, where
the presented button is configured to also enable the customer at
the checkout point of the purchase from the first retail website,
to select one of the delivery systems or a local delivery service
from the first list of local delivery services; the shipping and
tracking module in the first server associated with the
package-exchange-service is configured to communicate with the
second server of the first retail website to receive purchase
information after the checkout point and completion of the purchase
by the customer, the purchase information includes the package
delivery services information regarding the customer including
their name, and the target vehicle of the customer, at least one of
a package delivery system or a local delivery service that is
selected to exchange the purchased products with the target vehicle
of the customer, and an expected delivery date and delivery
location, where the purchase information is stored in the one or
more databases in the cloud based provider site, wherein the
shipping and tracking module is configured to cooperate with at
least a first database and a first processor of the cloud based
provider site to process information including a shipping Tracking
Number (TN) and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the target
vehicle associated with the purchase and to register the purchase
information and a request for package delivery to the target
vehicle of the customer in one of the databases of the cloud based
provider site associated with the package-exchange-service.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the security module in the first
server associated with the package-exchange-service is configured
to receive one or more customer verification requests from the
servers of the one or more retail websites; wherein in response to
a first customer verification request from a first retail website,
the security module is configured 1) to provide a login screen for
the customer of the first retail website, where the shopping
application resident on the first client device of the customer is
redirected from the first retail website to the login screen of the
cloud based provider site of the package-exchange-service to enter
customer credentials corresponding to a customer's account of the
package-exchange-service, or 2) to receive from the second server
of the first retail website, the customer credentials corresponding
to the customer's account of the package-exchange-service; and
wherein after the customer verification based on the customer
credentials including a username and a password and zero or more
security questions, the security module provides a response to the
second server of the first retail website, where the response
includes information regarding the services for package exchange
available to the customer and the target vehicle associated with
the customer, a list of local package delivery services and package
delivery systems that can deliver the purchased products from the
first retail website to the associated target vehicle of the
customer.
6. The cloud-based system of claim 3, where in the customer is
configured to bid for the price of local delivery services.
7. The cloud based system of claim 1, further including a pool of
virtual keys including one or more public keys and associated
private keys in at least one database of the cloud based server,
where the first virtual key is a public key from the pool of
virtual keys supplied by the security module, via a secure
communication, to the first client device of the package delivery
vehicle; wherein the first client device is configured to include
the first virtual key with each communication to the security
module; and wherein the first virtual key is used by the security
module for the first authentication of the communications received
from the first client device of the package delivery vehicle, where
the first authentication includes matching the first public key
with an associated first private key of the pool of virtual keys,
where the first virtual key is recycled after the expiration of the
first shelf life.
8. The cloud based system of claim 1, wherein the target vehicle of
the customer includes a RFID reader and each package includes a
separate RFID tag, where the RFID reader is configure to be
activated by the actuation modulo to read RFID tags inside the
target vehicle for ensuring the one or more package exchanges have
been performed.
Description
FIELD
The design generally relates to a package exchange (delivery to and
pick-up from) a vehicle system.
BACKGROUND
Typically, shipments are usually sent to the home address of the
person concerned. This technology instead delivers packages to or
picks-up a package inside a customer's vehicle while ensuring safe
delivery at the exchange location.
SUMMARY
In general, a cloud based system for a package exchange to and from
a target vehicle service is described. The cloud-based system has a
cloud-based package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud based
provider site that includes one or more servers. Each server has
one or more processors. The servers are configured to communicate
with one or more databases in the cloud based provider site. The
cloud-based system has a GPS-based proximity module in a first
server associated with package-exchange-service. The GPS-based
proximity module is configured to receive both current GPS
coordinates of a package delivery vehicle and current GPS
coordinates of the target vehicle of a customer for at least one
package exchange operation to the target vehicle of the customer.
The GPS-based proximity module is configured to store both GPS
coordinates in a first database of the cloud based provider site.
The GPS-based proximity module is configured to monitor a distance
between the package delivery vehicle and the target vehicle of the
customer. The cloud-based system also has a delivery module in the
first server associated with a second database of the cloud-based
system. The delivery module includes one or more lists of local
delivery services. The one or more lists of local delivery services
include registered individuals to be assigned for package exchange
operations. The one or more lists of local delivery services also
include package delivery restrictions and conditions including
package size, hours of operation, distance to operate, and delivery
prices. The customer is configured to search and select a local
delivery service. The cloud-based system has a security module in
the first server associated with the package-exchange-service. The
security module is configured to setup at least one package
exchange operation. The package exchange operation includes 1)
directing the package delivery vehicle to the target vehicle of the
customer, 2) opening and/or unlocking the target vehicle of the
customer to ensure the at least one package exchange operation can
be performed with the target vehicle of the customer, 3) ensuring
the at least one package exchange operation have been performed,
and 4) after performing the at least one package exchange
operation, ensuring the target vehicle of the customer is closed
and locked and the at least one package exchange operation is
complete. The security module in cooperation with the GPS-based
proximity module is further configured to send one or more
functional commands to the target vehicle of the customer. The
commands include 1) to wake-up an on-board actuation module in the
target vehicle of the customer while in a close proximity
established by a first threshold distance between the package
delivery vehicle and the target vehicle of the customer, 2) to give
an alert from the target vehicle of the customer while in a close
proximity established by a second threshold distance between the
package delivery vehicle and the target vehicle of the customer, 3)
to unlock a door of the target vehicle of the customer, and 4) to
lock the doors of the target vehicle of the customer after
receiving a confirmation of a completion of the at least one
package exchange operation.
In an embodiment, the cloud-based package-exchange-service hosted
on a cloud based provider site contains two or more servers and two
or more databases. The cloud-based package-exchange-service uses
two or more paired-virtual keys, such as a dual-key protection
mechanism, via secure key matching authentication in order to
render hacking any single system's server useless. The dual keys
may be a public-private key and a token generated only when a user
authenticates they want a delivery to their vehicle. Additionally,
the virtual keys are given a shelf life to limit authorized package
delivery and subsequent activation of the vehicle's actuation
module to within a specified time window.
In an embodiment, the cloud-based package-exchange-service hosted
on a cloud based provider site contains two or more servers and one
or more databases. The cloud based package-exchange-service uses a
Global Positioning System (GPS)-based proximity system to control
and track the package delivery operation, to speed up the package
delivery operation, and to ensure security for the package delivery
operation. The cloud-based package-exchange-service also uses a
mobile delivery notice to verify the origination of the package
delivery order as well as to communicate a successful package
exchange operation (see, for example, FIG. 12).
In an embodiment, a method for an alternative package pickup and
delivery system includes a number of example steps. The consumer
while shopping at a retail store, at checkout, can purchase one or
more selected products on a retail website. The consumer is offered
on the user interface at checkout an alternative package delivery
option to have the purchased products delivered to a vehicle using
a cloud-based package-exchange-service. The consumer selects the
delivery method offered on the user interface labeled as "Box2Go
Delivery," to have the package delivered to the consumer's vehicle.
The package-exchange-service processes the alternative package
pickup and delivery option. A list of local delivery services is
offered to the customer to choose a first local deliver service,
such as Uber, a store delivery service, a delivery service provider
like Fed Ex, or another similar local delivery service. The
purchased products are delivered to the consumer's vehicle's
location by the first local delivery service. The
package-exchange-service opens the consumer's vehicle and ensures
the purchased products have been delivered. The
package-exchange-service ensures the consumer's vehicle is closed
and locked when the purchased products have been delivered.
Additionally, the customers can log into their account on the cloud
based package-exchange-service website and being redirected to one
or more websites to make the purchases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The multiple drawings refer to the example embodiments of the
design.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system
that may be used in an embodiment of one or more of the servers,
in-vehicle electronic modules, and client devices discussed
herein.
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate block diagrams of embodiments of the
package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud-based provider site.
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate block and flow diagrams of an embodiment of
the alternative delivery system using an actuation module
solution.
FIG. 4 illustrates a block and flow diagrams of an embodiment of
the alternative package delivery system using a telematics
solution.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example class diagram of an embodiment of an
application programming interface for the alternative package
pickup and delivery system.
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate flow diagrams of embodiment of the
alternative delivery system.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate block and flow diagrams of embodiments
of the GPS-based control and tracking mechanisms used for delivery
to or pick-up from the vehicle.
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate block and flow diagrams of embodiment of the
value proposition of the alternative delivery system.
FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate block diagrams of embodiments of the
multiple paired virtual keys and security authorization notices
used by the package-exchange-service.
FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram overview of an embodiment of
the package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud-based and some of
its features including i) process connectivity to multiple
platforms, ii) built in privacy and security, and iii) a vehicle
alert system via proximity.
FIG. 11 illustrates the keys that can be attached to a client
device (e.g., cell phone) of a delivery person for transmitting RF
signals of a key fob.
FIG. 12 illustrates the notices received on a client device of the
user/customer.
FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an example retail/merchant
site presenting a button on a user interface of a shopping
application resident on the client device of the customer.
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate user interfaces of an application of a
package-exchange-service with a vehicle on a client device used for
signing up and logging.
While the design is subject to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by
way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. The design should be understood to not be limited to the
particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the design.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
In the following description, numerous specific details are set
forth, such as examples of specific package delivery services,
named components, connections, number of databases, etc., in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the present design. It will
be apparent; however, to one skilled in the art that the present
design may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well known components or methods have not been described
in detail but rather in a block diagram in order to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the present design. Thus, the specific
details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details
discussed in one embodiment may be reasonably implemented in
another embodiment. The specific details may be varied from and
still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the
present design.
In general, the package exchange a vehicle service facilitates
package delivery to or pick up from a vehicle at home, work, or
anywhere via a local delivery service. The package-exchange-service
may be hosted on a cloud-based provider site. The
package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud-based provider site may
use an onboard actuation module for commanding the vehicle to
perform an electro-mechanical action, such as locking and unlocking
the vehicle, opening the trunk or a sunroof, etc. The
package-exchange-service may use an already existing telematics
module of the vehicle as the onboard actuation module or may
install a dongle module as the actuation module. If the telematics
system is used, the package-exchange-service can receive data such
as GPS coordinates of the vehicle from the telematics module of the
vehicle or can send command to the telematics module of the vehicle
through the telematics provider. Alternatively, the
package-exchange-service can use a dongle module having a Wi-Fi or
cellular communication circuit configured to establish a secure
communication with a cloud based system associated with the
package-exchange-service. The dongle module can be coupled to an
electro-mechanical activation circuit configured to cooperate with
a fault and diagnostic module installed in the target vehicle of
the customer in order to retrieve diagnostic data including the GPS
coordinates of the vehicle of the user. The dongle module can also
implement RF circuitry and to operate like a key fob simulator.
Alternatively, the on-board actuation module of the target vehicle
is an on-board RF module and the package-exchange-service can
receive the GPS coordinates of the vehicle from a client device
(e.g., a mobile phone) of the user and can supply a universal key
fob simulator, such as a smart phone with an application,
implementing appropriate RF frequencies, rolling security code, and
commands to a client device of a package delivery vehicle (see, for
example, FIG. 11). The package-exchange-service can use two or more
paired-virtual keys, such as a dual-key protection mechanism, via a
secure key matching authentication in order to render hacking any
single system's server useless. Additionally, the virtual keys are
given a shelf life to limit authorized package delivery and
subsequent activation of the vehicle's actuation module to within a
specified time window. The package-exchange-service may not store
the user credentials in its databases and, in general, only
encrypted data is transmitted from the cloud-based
package-exchange-service and i) the applications resident on client
devices, ii) the package delivery vehicles, and iii) the OEM
telematics systems. The package-exchange-service uses a GPS-based
proximity system to control and track the package exchange
operation, to speed up the package exchange operation, and to
ensure security for the package exchange operation. The
package-exchange-service also uses a mobile delivery notice to
verify the origination of the package delivery order as well as to
communicate a successful package-exchange-service (see, for
example, FIG. 12). The package-exchange-service coordinates
deliveries of packages to wherever vehicle is parked, including the
service can deliver services to a rental car while on business
trip. See FIG. 10 for a block diagram overview of an embodiment of
the package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud-based site and some
of its features. The features include i) process connectivity to
multiple platforms, ii) built in privacy and security, and iii) a
vehicle awake and alert system via proximity. Additionally, the
cloud based system for package exchange has, in a database, a list
of local delivery services that include registered individuals to
be assigned to package exchange operations. The customer is given a
choice of selecting the package delivery vehicle from the set of
lists of local delivery services, or do not choose the local
delivery services and select a package delivery system such as
FedEx. When choosing from the list of local delivery services, the
customer may be given the choice to select a local delivery service
based on cost. One or more local delivery sites each have one or
more servers. Each server has one or more processors. The servers
are configured to communicate with the servers of the cloud based
package exchange service to facilitate a delivery of one or more
packages to one or more target vehicles. The servers of the one or
more local delivery sites and the servers of the cloud-based
package-exchange-service are configured to exchange information.
Each local delivery service establishes a set of standard commands
between its server on its site and one or more servers on the cloud
based package-exchange-service to exchange information including
the GPS coordinates of the target vehicle, the package(s), and
store distribution site to pick up the package from.
In an embodiment, the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service includes in a database one or more lists
of local delivery services that have information of local driver
services and drivers including names, addresses, and phone numbers,
email addresses, reports and evaluations, hours of operation,
costs. The list is searchable by the users to find the best price,
suitable hours of delivery, reliability, etc. In an example, the
prospective drivers can sign into the cloud-based system for the
package-exchange-service and register. The list of local delivery
services may also list a service such as Uber.TM. or UPS.TM. and
then these systems are notified of one or more packages that need
to be delivered. The local delivery service may also be a
merchant's own delivery fleet of vehicles. Each local delivery
service may be allowed to participate in a bidding process to
deliver those packages.
Also, the universal key fob simulator, such as a smart phone or
other handheld device, is configured with an antenna and
transmission circuit to transmit at the specific frequency that the
target car's Body Control Module is anticipating and configured to
receive signals/commands at, such as 4.44 MHz. The Radio frequency
transmitter can transmit in a range, for example, between 3 to 400
MHz using a series of phase-locked loop frequency control circuits.
The Body Control Module has a receiver circuit tuned to a specific
frequency, such as 4.44 MHz, corresponding to the frequency
transmitter by the key fob simulator. The Body Control Module is
located inside the target vehicle in order to unlock the vehicle
needs to receive both one of 1) the rolling security key codes that
is within the acceptable window of synchronization and 2) at the
specific RF frequency from the universal key fob and 3) potentially
one or more commands regarding the vehicle, such as unlock or
transmit GPS coordinates. Both the universal key fob simulator and
the Body Control Module can use the same pseudo-random number
generator for the rolling security key codes. Alternatively, a
backend server and database system uses the same pseudo-random
number generator as the target vehicle and generates a set of
rolling security key codes. The backend server sends merely the set
of rolling security key codes to the universal key fob simulator.
The universal key fob simulator is configured with an enhanced
broadcast range, such as up to several hundred meters, compared to
the broadcast strength of a typical key fob. The protocols and
commands may be generated and stored locally on the universal key
fob simulator. Alternatively, the protocols and commands may be
also generated and stored by the backend server and database and
then sent to the universal key fob simulator upon request.
Example processes for and apparatuses to provide an automated
process workflow for the entire cloud-based
package-exchange-service using a local delivery service are
described. The following drawings and text describe various example
implementations of the design. FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate
example environments to implement the concepts.
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate block diagrams of embodiments of the
package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud-based provider site. The
web server farm may have examples of 4 servers and 2 database
clusters. i) A user downloads and uses either i) a vehicle package
delivery/pickup mobile application or ii) a vehicle package
delivery/pickup desktop application on their client device to
register with the package-exchange-service cloud system. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service hosted on a cloud-based
provider site contains one or more servers and one or more
databases. The one or more databases store at least i) User ID and
Password for the package-exchange-service, ii) User name, iii)
email or contact phone number of the user, iv) Security questions,
v) Vehicle VIN, vi) Vehicle make, model, color, year, and vii) any
combination of at least three of these.
The cloud-based package-exchange-service cloud system can be
implemented in software, hardware electronics, and any combination
of both and when one or more portions of the system are implemented
in software, then that software is tangibly stored in an executable
format on the one or more non-transitory storage mediums to be
executed by a processing component.
High-Level Description of Each Transaction in Case of Dongle
Solution
FIGS. 3A-C illustrate a flow diagram of an embodiment of the
alternative package pickup and delivery system using an example
dongle solution including sequence of steps.
In an embodiment, a dongle module having circuitry and a software
application is configured to provide an intelligent and expanded
use of navigation data to control other vehicle systems. Additional
hardware, such as control wiring directly to the doors and trunk of
the car, may be installed in the target vehicle to assist in the
delivery operation by the local delivery service. The dongle module
may be a small piece of hardware that attaches to the vehicle in
order to enable additional functions.
An alternative package pickup and delivery system is discussed. The
system includes a cloud-based package-exchange-service that is
hosted on a cloud-based provider site. The user/customer is given a
choice of selecting the package delivery vehicle from among the
local delivery services, or do not choose the local delivery
services and select a package delivery system such as FedEx. The
system may also allow the cloud-based system for a
package-exchange-service to put up a bid system with a number of
deliveries and expected locations of a set of target vehicles, each
with its one or more package deliveries. The local delivery
services will then submit bids to the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service to win the right to deliver the packages.
The user information, package information, store information,
vehicle information and expected vehicle location information for
each package delivery will be sent to the winning bidder. The
servers of the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service in
combination with an application on a smart phone or similar device
will then guide the local delivery service to conduct the package
exchange with each of the target vehicles using the dual key
security process and the vehicle alert and access systems discussed
herein.
Next, the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service may be
configured to have Wi-Fi or cellular communications to the dongle
module in order to exchange information including GPS coordinates
of the vehicle and to cause electromechanical actions within that
vehicle including: unlocking doors, opening windows, opening
trunks, closing trunks, opening and closing a sunroof or moon roof.
The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service is hosted on
a cloud-based provider site that contains one or more servers and
one or more databases. The cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service is coded to utilize a protocol, including
HTTP, to engage in a request and response cycle with either i) a
mobile device application resident on a client device of the user,
ii) a web-browser application resident on the client device of the
user/customer, or iii) both. The cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service has one or more routines to automate the
package delivery. (See FIG. 5 for an example class diagram of an
embodiment of an application programming interface for the
alternative package delivery method.) A hardware module, such as a
dongle module, in the vehicle then causes electromechanical actions
within that given vehicle in order to allow the cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service to access a plurality of different
kinds of vehicles, manufactured from a number of different
manufactures. An example dongle module may cooperate with or be
part of a navigation system in the vehicle. The cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service has a security module scripted to
establish a communication link with a package delivery vehicle via
a communication network and to exchange information with a delivery
application on a client device in order to send or receive
information from a package delivery person. The cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service has an additional security module
for communicating to a user of the target vehicle having a package
delivered to that vehicle, which is scripted to exchange
information with a mobile application or desktop application on a
client device of the user/customer. The vehicles include but are
not limited to automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and other
similar transportation mechanisms.
In the examples below, an OEM telematics provider is discussed but
similar implementations may occur with the OEM telematics provider
functionality being implemented directly by the cloud based package
exchange system. Thus, the GPS coordinates of the vehicle are
obtained from the dongle module or via a smart phone of the user.
The cloud based package exchange system will cause
electro-mechanical actuations via a remote keyless entry module,
such as the BCM. A set of application programming interfaces may be
set up between the cloud base package exchange service and
cooperating partner services. A first module can be configured to
provide one or more application programming interfaces between
servers of two or more local package delivery services and servers
of one or more merchant site systems to facilitate the steps
below.
(1) The User 312 uses either a mobile application 254 on their
client device (e.g., a mobile phone) or accesses a retailer's
website via a browser on a desktop application 350 on their client
device. The user while shopping at a retail store, at checkout, the
customer will i) purchase one or more selected products on a retail
website. The user interface at checkout offers an alternative
package delivery option to have the purchased products delivered to
a vehicle using a cloud-based package-exchange-service. The
retailer's website collects order information including the
products selected. The client device submits order and shipping
information via the mobile application to the retailer's website,
and in the case of delivering to a vehicle, the order includes the
vehicle VIN. The user interface of the retailer's website offers
the alternative delivery destination of the consumer's/user's
vehicle 252 as a delivery destination (see, for example, FIG. 13).
The user selects the delivery method offered on the user interface
conveying a package delivery to a vehicle option in order to have
the package delivered to the consumer's vehicle. The user interface
offers the option of choosing a local package delivery service. The
user interface offers a list of local delivery services to the
customer to select a first delivery service. Note, the retailer's
website user interface may show the alternative delivery
destination of the consumer's/user's vehicle and an additional
monetary charge may be associated with this alternative delivery
destination. The additional monetary charge may be charged on a per
delivery instance basis or based on a subscription basis.
(2) The retailer's website 258 sends shipping information to the
cloud based package-exchange-service 340. A server at the
cloud-based package-exchange-service processes the alternative
package pickup and delivery option by a server of the cloud-based
package-exchange-service. The shipping data can include the
customer/user data. Additionally, the user can be redirected to the
website associated with the cloud based package-exchange-service to
selected one of the options for package delivery. At the website
associated with cloud based package-exchange-service, the
customer/user is given a choice of selecting the package delivery
option from among a list of local delivery services stored in a
database associated with the cloud based package-exchange-service,
or do not choose the local delivery services and select a package
delivery system such as FedEx. The user/customer can choose the
package delivery option based on delivery parameters such as price,
flexibility (e.g., delivery time), and reliability. As an example,
the user/customer can be given the option to search in the delivery
parameters. In an example, the user/customer can search for
cheapest delivery service. In an example, the user/customer can bid
for the cost of delivery service.
In an example, a delivery module in the first server associated
with a second database of the cloud-based system includes a first
list of local delivery services. The first list of local delivery
services includes registered individuals to be assigned to package
exchange operations. The first list of local delivery services also
includes package delivery restrictions and conditions including
package size, hours of operation, distance to operate, and delivery
prices. The customer uses a user interface configured to search and
select a local delivery service from the first list.
(3) Alternatively, using a mobile application or a desktop
application, the users can login to their account in the cloud
based package-exchange-service and then get redirected to one or
more retail websites such that after completing a purchase at each
retail website, the users are directed back to their accounts at
the cloud based package-exchange-service to select a delivery
option. One for more retail stores/websites can established network
connections with the website of the cloud base
package-exchange-service such that the retail websites: 1) Display
a logo (e.g., "Box2Go") of the cloud based package-exchange-service
on their mobile application 254 or desktop application 350, where
by clicking the logo the users can select the alternative delivery
to their vehicles and/or select a delivery option. 2) A client of
the cloud based package-exchange-service, after login, can get
redirected to the retail websites for making purchases.
If a package delivery system, such as FedEx, is selected, the
package delivery system can send a notification to the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service 340, including Tracking
Number and VIN via the standardized open application programming
interfaces. The notification including the shipping Tracking Number
and VIN are stored in the databases 275 of the cloud based system
for package-exchange-service 340.
The local delivery services may bid to deliver the package, or a
group of packages. A module in the package exchange service site is
configured to receive bids from the two or more local package
delivery services to deliver one or more packages from the one or
more merchant distribution sites in order to deliver the one or
more packages to a vehicle.
(5) The cloud based system for package-exchange-service 340 sends a
notification to either the mobile application 254 or the desktop
application 350 on their client device and confirms with the User
their desire to have a package shipped to their vehicle with the
Tracking Number and/or VIN of the target vehicle (see, for example,
FIG. 12). The confirmation notice also acts as a security mechanism
to ensure that the user did in fact elect to have a package
delivered to their vehicle 252.
(6) After the first notification, the User can supply a response
into either the mobile application or the desktop application on
their client device to send permission to the cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service. In response to the second
notification, the user may supply a second confirmation including a
virtual key or a security token of the vehicle. The cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service has a multiple phase, such as
a two-phase, verification mechanism involving two security keys.
The cloud-based infrastructure is scripted to validate
authorization for the package delivery to a registered owner's
vehicle. The source of initiating the request to open up the car is
verified twice as the first virtual key coming along with a request
from a package delivery vehicle is verified. Also, a second car
actuation security token such as a second virtual key is coming
from the client device associated with the user. The second virtual
key can be a rolling security key of a Body Control Module (BCM) of
the target vehicle of the customer.
The first virtual key is provided by the cloud based system 340
associated with the package-exchange-service using a secure
communication to a client device in the package delivery vehicle or
to a client device of the package delivery person. The first
virtual key can be used by the cloud-based system of
package-exchange-service 340 to authenticate commands/request/data
received from package delivery vehicle and package delivery person
when the received command/request/includes the first virtual key.
In an example, the first virtual key is a public key generated by
the cloud based system 340 such that only the cloud based system
340 knows an associated private key matching the public key and can
authenticate the received command/request/data including the first
virtual key. As described with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C, the GPS
coordinates of the package delivery vehicles as well as the
commands can be received from the package delivery person
304/package delivery vehicle 322.
In an embodiment, the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service includes a pool of virtual keys that
includes one or more public keys and their associated private keys.
The pool of virtual keys is in at least one database of the
cloud-based server. The first virtual key can be a public key from
the pool of virtual keys and can be supplied by the security module
of the cloud system 340, via a secure communication, to a client
device of the package delivery vehicle 322. Also, the client device
of the package delivery vehicle can use the first virtual key with
each communication to the security module. The security module of
the cloud-based system of package-exchange-service can use the
first virtual key included in the communications from the client
device of the package delivery vehicle to authenticate the received
communications. Authentication can include matching a public key
with an associated private key of the pool of virtual keys. In an
example, a distinct first virtual key is used for each package
transfer and the virtual key is recycled or discarded after the
package transfer. In another example and to tighten the security,
the first virtual key can be made unique in space and time such
that it is only valid in a specific window of time and in a
specific location of space. For example, the first virtual key can
be active only between noon and 4 pm on a specific day and if the
package delivery vehicle is located is specific location of a
city.
(7) After the package arrives in the same city, the package
delivery person 304 uses the package delivery application 315 in
their client device to send the Tracking Number to the
package-exchange-service in order to obtain the vehicle's
information including its current location information. FIG. 3A
shows a package delivery application 315 on the client device of
the delivery person 304.
Upon approaching the target vehicle, an application in the client
device of the package delivery person can send a request to the
cloud based system for a package-exchange-service to wake up, for
example, the dongle module of the target vehicle by either
automatically detecting a close proximity by the first threshold
distance between the package delivery vehicle and the target
vehicle or can be prompted by the package delivery person to send
the request. Alternatively, the distance between the package
delivery vehicle and the target vehicle can independently be
monitored by the cloud-based system for a package-exchange-service
and the request can be sent without package delivery person's
involvement. The dongle module may be in a sleep-mode as this
prevents battery drain when vehicle is not in use and thus the
dongle module needs to be sent a wake up notice. The cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service via the one or more
application programming interfaces sends one or more wake up
requests to the dongle module to wake up the vehicle.
Alternatively, a GPS based proximity module in the cloud-based
system for a package-exchange-service can calculate the distance
between the delivery vehicle and the target vehicle and send the
wake up message. In an embodiment, the wake up message can be
initiated either manually by the package delivery person, or
automatically by a GPS based proximity module in the cloud-based
system for a package-exchange-service. In an example, the dongle
module may not drain battery power or may drain very little battery
power thus may not go to sleep. In such case, the waking up step
can be omitted. The wake up message can be sent from the security
module associated with the cloud-based package-exchange-service to
the dongle module in the target vehicle through a cellular
communication.
As discussed, a GPS-based proximity module in a first server
associated with package-exchange-service is configured to receive
both current GPS coordinates of a package delivery vehicle and
current GPS coordinates of the target vehicle of a customer. The
GPS coordinates are used for at least one package exchange
operation to the target vehicle of the customer. The GPS
coordinates are stored in a first database of the cloud based
provider site. The GPS-based proximity module is configured to
monitor a distance between the package delivery vehicle and the
target vehicle of the customer.
Thus, the current GPS coordinates of a package delivery vehicle is
transmitted from a GPS-based delivery application 315 resident in a
client device associated with a package delivery vehicle. The
client device resides 1) in the package delivery vehicle 322, or 2)
in a handheld tool that travels with a delivery person 304 of the
package delivery vehicle. The GPS-based delivery application 315
can transmit the current GPS coordinates of the package delivery
vehicle/person along with the first virtual key for authentication.
The GPS-based delivery application 315 is downloadable from a
website or, otherwise electronically distributed to the client
device from a database in the cloud based server.
(8) After step (6), the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service has tracked the vehicle's location and
sends the location information out upon a request from the package
delivery person. As described, the GSP coordinates of the target
vehicle can be obtained via a cellular communication from the
dongle module in the target vehicle and sent to the security module
associated with the could-based package-exchange-service. When the
on-board actuation module of the target vehicle is an on-board RF
module, the GPS coordinates of the target vehicle can be sent by a
client device of the user/customer to the security module
associated with the could-based package-exchange-service, at the
time the user/customer turns off the engine or locks the target
vehicle.
Additionally, the distance between the GPS coordinates of the
package delivery vehicle having a delivery application resident in
a client device in the delivery vehicle and the target vehicle's
GPS coordinates is monitored and compared by a GPS based proximity
module in the cloud-based system for a
package-exchange-service.
(9) After the package delivery entity system's delivery person
approaches the vehicle, a request is sent to the cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service to blink the hazard lights and open
the trunk. In return, the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service can send a command and a rolling security
key of the BCM of the target vehicle via the client device of the
delivery person to be used by a key fob simulator in the target
vehicle to cause the blinking of the hazard lights and or cause to
open the trunk. The command can be sent from the security module
associated with the cloud based system of package-exchange-service,
via direct cellular communication, to the dongle module of the
target vehicle, or alternatively, via cellular communication to a
client device of the package delivery vehicle/person and then from
the client device via wireless communication to the dongle module
of the target vehicle.
As discussed, a GPS-based proximity module or a security module in
the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service will also
send a request via the one or more application programming
interfaces to the dongle module to cause a localized alert in the
target vehicle so that the vehicle can blink the vehicle's lights
and honk its horn to alert the package delivery person directly to
the target vehicle's location (see, for example, FIG. 7A), in order
to save time and aid in locating the target vehicle within rows of
parked cars. Alternatively, the client device of the package
delivery vehicle or the client device of the package delivery
person can initiate the request. This ensures the designated target
vehicle is identified properly and increases efficiency of
delivering the package.
(10) The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service verifies
the request and blinks the hazard lights and/or unlocks the target
vehicle including the trunk. In an example, the commands can be
sent from the security module in the cloud-based system for a
package-exchange-service via a client device of the delivery person
to the dongle module.
As discussed, before sending the functional commands including
lock/unlock doors and give an alert to the target vehicle of the
customer, the GPS-based proximity module or a security module in
the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service receives at
least two virtual verification keys, a first virtual verification
key from the client device associated with the package delivery
vehicle and a second virtual verification key from the client
device associated with the customer. The first virtual verification
key can be given a first shelf life and the second virtual
verification key can be given a second shelf life such that sending
of the functional commands stay within an overlap window of time
between the first shelf life and the second shelf life.
Thus, the security module is configured to receive a first virtual
key via a first port and one of 1) a request for the
package-exchange-service, 2) data, or 3) both, from a first client
device associated with the package delivery vehicle. The first
virtual key has a first shelf life and is stored in a first
database of the cloud-based system. The first virtual key is used
by the security module for a first authentication of communications
from the first client device.
Also, the security module is configured to receive a security token
associated with both a customer and the target vehicle from a
second client device associated with the customer. The security
token has a second shelf life. The security token is used for a
verification of the customer and the target vehicle of the
customer.
Additionally, the security module is configured to send the
security token for verification as well as one or more functional
commands regarding the target vehicle to be execute on the target
vehicle. The security module can send the security token and
commands to any of the first client device, ii) one or more
application programming interfaces of a server of a third party
site or iii) internally to another module within the cloud based
system for a package-transfer-service. After the first
authentication and in an overlap window of time between the first
shelf life and the second shelf life, the security module is
configured to send the commands to the target vehicle: 1) based on
the request from the first client device associated with the
package delivery vehicle, or 2) initiated by the security module.
The security module is configured to send the functional commands
regarding the target vehicle over a network to either a local
client device or over the network via the one or more application
programming interfaces of the server of third party site to an
on-board actuation module installed in the target vehicle. In
response to the commands, the on-board actuation module is
configured to cause an electro-mechanical operation in the target
vehicle to any of i) open up a door, a window, or a trunk of the
target vehicle, ii) unlock the door or the trunk of the target
vehicle, and iii) any combination of these two such that the
package delivery service can perform the at least one package
exchange operation with the target vehicle.
Optionally, the GPS based proximity module waits for a confirmation
from the delivery application that the package delivery person has
located the target vehicle. Then the GPS based proximity module
composes a correct request command and sends the request via the
one or more application programming interfaces to the dongle module
in the vehicle to open the trunk of the vehicle or some other
electro-mechanical actuation of a window or sunroof of the vehicle.
The command can be sent from the security module associated with
the cloud based system of package-exchange-service, via direct
cellular communication, to the dongle module of the target vehicle,
or alternatively, via cellular communication to a client device of
the package delivery vehicle/person and then from the client device
via wireless communication to the dongle module of the target
vehicle.
(11) After placing the package in the target vehicle, e.g., a trunk
of the target vehicle, and closing the doors including the trunk,
the package delivery entity system's delivery person sends a
delivery completion confirmation to the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service (see, for example, FIG. 12).
Alternatively, the package delivery person, instead of placing a
package, may retrieve a package from the target vehicle.
(13) After (11), the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service polls the status of the vehicle. In fact,
after receiving a confirmation of the completion of package
transfer from the package delivery application of the package
delivery person's client device, the GPS-based proximity module in
the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service can receive
GPS coordinates from the package delivery application in the
package delivery person's client device and resume monitoring the
package delivery vehicle. The GPS based proximity module performs
distance monitoring to recognize when the package delivery person
is departing and then is scripted to verify that the target vehicle
is locked and to avoid the package delivery person leaving an
unlocked vehicle. The cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service polls the lock status of the target
vehicle by sending a request to the dongle module.
(14) Dongle responds with the lock door status (open/closed). If
door lock status is not confirmed locked, the GPS-based proximity
module in the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service
sends a request via the one or more application programming
interfaces to the dongle module in the vehicle to close and lock
the vehicle's doors/trunk. This feature improves security to insure
the vehicle is locked after departure and is not left unlocked.
Note, the onboard dongle module in the target vehicle of the
customer can be configured to communicate with the GPS-based
proximity module and/or the security module of the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service through the Wi-Fi or cellular
communications to receive the functional (electro-mechanical)
commands including lock/unlock doors and give an alert. The dongle
module can have a key fob simulator such that it can include an RF
circuitry of a key fob and can be configured to perform the
functional (electro-mechanical) commands by transmitting RF signals
that include the functional commands to a Body Control Module (BCM)
of the target vehicle of the customer.
The GPS proximity module is scripted to perform multiple actions
via the dongle module including i) waking up a vehicle, ii)
facilitating for the electro mechanical operations in the vehicle
to occur, such as unlocking/locking doors, opening/closing windows,
opening and unlocking/closing and locking a trunk, opening/closing
sunroof, and iii) detecting when the package delivery vehicle is at
a certain distance away from the target vehicle, then the vehicle
should become secure at that point. In an example, the commands can
be sent via a client device of the delivery person to the dongle
module.
(15) The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service sends a
delivery confirmation notice to the User. Additionally, the cloud
based system for a package-exchange-service can provide the
user/customer with an option of rating the package delivery service
such that through a user interface of the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service the customers can enter their ratings. The
customer ratings can be processed and saved in a database of the
cloud based system for a package-exchange-service. Also, the
customer ratings can be presented to a user when the user selects a
package delivery service.
In an example, the dongle module can have a key fob simulator such
that it has a circuitry including the RF circuitry of a key fob and
additionally is capable of executing an algorithm to generate
rolling security keys of the Body Control Module. The dongle module
can be taught as an extra key fob. The teaching of the dongle
module as an extra key fob can be automated and performed by
receiving commands via Wi-Fi or cellular communications from the
security module or the GPS-based proximity module of the cloud
based system for a package-exchange-service. After being taught,
the current rolling security key can be stored in the dongle
module. Upon receiving the functional (electro-mechanical) commands
the dongle module can generate the next rolling security key based
on the current rolling security key to be transmitted along with
the functional commands to the Body Control Module.
Alternatively, in an example (e.g., for security reasons), the
current rolling security key may not be stored in the dongle module
and can be transmitted to the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service and/or transmitted to a client device of
the user and can be stored in the client device of the user and/or
stored in a database associated with the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service such that the security module or the
GPS-based proximity module of the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service sends the functional command and the
stored rolling security key to the dongle module. Upon receiving
the functional commands and the rolling security key, the dongle
module generates the next rolling security key based on the
received current rolling security key to be transmitted along with
the functional commands to the Body Control Module. In an example,
the next rolling security key can be generated by the security
module of the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service
such that the security module or the GPS-based proximity module of
the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service sends the
functional command and the next rolling security key to the dongle
module to be transmitted along with the functional commands to the
Body Control Module.
In an example, the dongle module can transmit (e.g., using
Bluetooth) the current rolling security key of the Body Control
Module to a client device of the user, which the user can transmit,
via cellular communication, the current security key as the
security token to the security module of the cloud based system for
a package-exchange-service to be used for verification of the user
and target vehicle.
As discussed, a security module in the first server associated with
the package-exchange-service is configured to setup the at least
one package exchange operation including 1) directing the package
delivery vehicle to the target vehicle of the customer, 2) opening
and/or unlocking the target vehicle of the customer to ensure the
at least one package exchange operation can be performed with the
target vehicle of the customer, 3) ensuring the at least one
package exchange operation have been performed, and 4) after
performing the at least one package exchange operation, ensuring
the target vehicle of the customer is closed and locked and the at
least one package exchange operation is complete.
In an embodiment, the security module in cooperation with the
GPS-based proximity module is configured to send to the target
vehicle of the customer one or more functional commands. The
functional (electro-mechanical) commands include 1) to wake-up an
on-board actuation module in the target vehicle of the customer
while in a close proximity established by a first threshold
distance between the package delivery vehicle and the target
vehicle of the customer, 2) to give an alert from the target
vehicle of the customer while in a close proximity established by a
second threshold distance between the package delivery vehicle and
the target vehicle of the customer, 3) to unlock a door of the
target vehicle of the customer, and 4) to lock the doors of the
target vehicle of the customer after receiving a confirmation of a
completion of the at least one package exchange operation.
In an embodiment, the actuation module of the target vehicle is a
dongle module. In an example, when a rolling security key of the
Body Control Module is generated, the (current) rolling security
key is transmitted to the cloud based system to be stored in a
Box2Go account corresponding to the user and the target vehicle.
The generated current rolling security key is also transmitted and
saved in the client device of the user. When a user requests a
delivery to the target vehicle, then the current rolling security
key is sent by the client device of the user to the cloud based
system, the rolling security key is matched with the rolling
security keys in Box2Go accounts of the cloud based system for user
and target vehicle verification. The commands sent by the cloud
based system also includes the current rolling security key, which
can be matched with by the dongle module with its rolling security
key for authentication of the commands. The current rolling
security key of the Body Control Module can be assigned a shelf
life by the cloud-based system.
The onboard actuation module may be any of i) an onboard telematics
module installed in the target vehicle of the customer and
configured to communicate with a cloud based server associated with
the package-exchange-service through a cloud based telematics
provider, ii) a key fob access module installed in the target
vehicle, or iii) a dongle module having a Wi-Fi or cellular
communication circuit configured to establish a secure
communication with the cloud based server associated with the
package-exchange-service. The dongle can also be coupled to an
electro-mechanical activation circuit configured to cooperate with
a fault and diagnostic module installed in the target vehicle of
the customer to retrieve diagnostic data including the GPS
coordinates of the target vehicle of the customer.
An embodiment of a key fob access module may be a Body Control
Module (BCM) installed in the target vehicle. A first rolling
security key can be used by of a Body Control Module (BCM) of the
target vehicle of the customer. The security module in the server
associated with the package-exchange-service is configured to
command the onboard actuation module in the target vehicle of the
customer via using Wi-Fi or cellular communication to establish a
secure communication with the onboard actuation module and to send
commands including the lock and unlock commands using one or more
rolling security keys of a Body Control Module of the target
vehicle of the customer to the onboard actuation module. The
onboard actuation module may include a Radio Frequency circuitry of
a key fob entry system. After receiving the sequence of commands
and the rolling security keys, the onboard actuation module
communicates RF signals including the corresponding commands and
rolling security keys to the Body Control Module of the target
vehicle of the customer to perform mechanical operations including
locking and unlocking of the target vehicle.
The security module in the server associated with the
package-exchange-service may be configured to send commands
including the lock and unlock commands and one or more rolling
security keys of a Body Control Module of the target vehicle of the
customer to a second client device associated with a package
delivery vehicle. The hand held client device allows the delivery
person to use the key fob simulator in the client device to
transmit RF signals including commands and rolling security keys to
the RF circuitry and/or Body Control Module of the target vehicle
of the customer to perform mechanical operations including locking
and unlocking of the target vehicle.
Additionally, when the on-board actuation module of the target
vehicle is the on-board dongle module, the on-board dongle module
is coupled to a fault and diagnostic module installed in the target
vehicle of the customer. The dongle module can retrieve diagnostic
data including the current GPS coordinates of the target vehicle of
the customer from the fault and diagnostic module. The on-board
dongle module is configured to send the current GPS coordinates of
the target vehicle of the customer via a Wi-Fi or cellular
communication and through a local client device to the GPS-based
proximity module.
Also, when the on-board actuation module of the target vehicle is
an on-board RF module, the current GPS coordinates of the target
vehicle is calculated by the second client device of the customer
at an instance the target vehicle is locked, where the current GPS
coordinates are uploaded from the second client device of the
customer through the cellular communication to the GPS-based
proximity module.
In an embodiment, a cloud-based package-exchange-service is hosted
on a cloud based provider site that includes one or more servers.
Each server having one or more processors. The servers are
configured to communicate with one or more databases in the cloud
based provider site.
Additionally, the target vehicle of the customer can include a RFID
reader. Also each package can include a separate RFID tag. The RFID
reader can communicate with the actuation module of the target
vehicle and can be activated by the actuation module of the target
vehicle to read RFID tags inside the target vehicle. Through the
actuation module and by reading the RFID tags, is can be confirmed
that the one or more package exchanges have been performed.
High-Level Description of Each Transaction in Case of Telematics
Solution
In an embodiment, the actuation module of the target vehicle is a
telematics module. The GPS-based proximity module of the
cloud-based system 340 obtains at least two virtual verification
keys, one from an OEM telematics provider 310 and another from a
package delivery vehicle before sending a command to the target
vehicle 252. The virtual verification keys are given a shelf life
such that sending of the command to unlock the door including the
trunk of the target vehicle, the target vehicle stays within a
predetermined time frame.
FIG. 4 illustrates block and flow diagrams of embodiments of the
alternative delivery system using a telematics solution. FIG. 4
shows retail websites 258, a geo-proximity Vehicle Alert and Access
System (cloud based system for a package-exchange-service) 340, and
a Telematics provider 310. However, similar principles can be
applied in any of the solutions discussed herein such as merely
using merchant sites and package delivery services without
integrating the telematics solution into the design.
The alternative package pickup and delivery system is discussed.
The system includes a cloud-based package-exchange-service that is
hosted on a cloud-based provider site, a database of local delivery
services having one or more delivery vehicles with client devices
having a first delivery application resident in each client device,
and one or more OEM `remote access/connectivity` systems 310, such
as OnStar.TM., that are configured to have communications between
the cloud and a vehicle in order to exchange information including
GPS coordinates of the vehicle and interact with the vehicle's
on-board intelligence system, such as an on-board telematics
module, to cause electromechanical actions within that vehicle
including: unlocking doors, opening windows, opening trunks,
closing trunks, opening and closing a sunroof or moon roof. Thus,
the on-board intelligence system may cause the opening &
closing of those mechanical portions of the car/vehicle. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service is hosted on a cloud-based
provider site that contains one or more servers and one or more
databases, including the cloud based server, that cooperate with
one or more databases to store the data and reference information
needed to control and track the package exchange process, to speed
up the package delivery and pick-up process, and to ensure security
for the package exchange process. The cloud-based
package-exchange-service is coded to utilize a protocol, including
HTTP, to engage in a request and response cycle with either i) a
mobile device application resident in a client device, ii) a
web-browser application resident in the client device, or iii)
both. The cloud-based package-exchange-service has one or more
routines to automate the package to and from vehicle delivery. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service has one or more open
application programming interfaces to standardly exchange
information between the servers of two or more OEM `remote
access/connectivity` systems such as an OEM telematics system. (See
FIG. 5 for an example class diagram 500 of an embodiment of an
application-programming interface for the alternative package
pickup and delivery system.) The telematics systems are configured
to have wireless communications between a server in the cloud and a
given vehicle. A hardware module, such as a telematics module, in
the vehicle then causes electromechanical actions within that given
vehicle in order to allow the cloud-based package-exchange-service
to access a plurality of different kinds of vehicles, manufactured
from a number of different manufactures. An example telematics
module may cooperate with or be part of a navigation system in the
vehicle. The cloud-based package-exchange-service has a security
module scripted to establish a communication link with a
communication terminal of either or both of the telematics systems
or the package delivery sites via a communication network. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service has an additional security
module scripted to exchange information with a delivery application
on a client device in order to send or receive information from a
delivery person. The cloud-based package-exchange-service has an
additional security module for a user of the target vehicle having
a package picked up or delivered to that vehicle, which is scripted
to exchange information with a mobile application or desktop
application on a client device. The package may be a retail shop
item, flowers, perishables, tobacco and alcohol, postal letters,
food or other consumable items, and other similar deliverable
items. The vehicles include but are not limited to automobiles,
trucks, vans, motorcycles, and other similar transportation
mechanisms. The OEM `remote access/connectivity` systems can
include manufactures, such as Tesla Motors, who have backend
servers that directly communicate with a telematics module in the
vehicle.
An onboard actuation module in the target vehicle may be one of i)
a telematics module installed in the target vehicle or ii) a dongle
module having a Wi-Fi or cellular communication circuit configured
to establish a secure communication with the cloud based server and
an electro-mechanical activation circuit configured to cooperate
with a fault and diagnostic module installed in the target vehicle.
The described features can work when the actuation module is a
telematics module, a dongle module, or when there is only an
on-board RF module in the target vehicle.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example sequence of numbered steps. The
numbered steps (1) through (17) are described below.
(1) The User (customer) 312 uses either a mobile application 254 on
their client device (e.g., a mobile phone) or accesses a retailer's
website via a browser on a desktop application 350 on their client
device. The retailer's website 258 collects order information
including the products selected. The client device submits order
and shipping information via the mobile application to the
retailer's website, in the case of delivering to a vehicle, the
shipping information includes the vehicle VIN. The user interface
of the retailer's website offers the alternative delivery
destination of the consumer's/user's vehicle 252 as a delivery
destination (see, for example, FIG. 13). Note, the retailer's
website user interface may show the alternative delivery
destination of the consumer's/user's vehicle and an additional
monetary charge may be associated with this alternative delivery
destination. The additional monetary charge may be charged on a per
delivery instance basis or based on a subscription basis.
(2) The retailer's website 258 sends shipping information to the
package-exchange-service 340. The shipping data can include the
customer/user data. At the website associated with cloud based
package-exchange-service, the customer/user is given a choice of
selecting the package delivery option from among a list of local
delivery services stored in a database associated with the cloud
based package-exchange-service, or do not choose the local delivery
services and select a package delivery system such as FedEx. The
user/customer can choose the package delivery option based on
delivery parameters such as price, flexibility (e.g., delivery
time), and reliability. As an example, the user/customer can be
given the option to search in the delivery parameters. In an
example, the user/customer can search for cheapest delivery
service, earliest delivery service, or most reliable delivery
service. In an example, the user/customer can bid for the cost of
delivery service.
(3) Alternatively, using a mobile application or a desktop
application, the users can login to their account in the cloud
based package-exchange-service and then get redirected to one or
more retail websites such that after completing the purchase at
each retail website, the users get back to their accounts at the
cloud based package-exchange-service to select a delivery option.
One for more retail stores/websites can established network
connections with the website of the cloud base
package-exchange-service such that the retail websites a) Display a
logo (e.g., "Box2Go") of the cloud based package-exchange-service
on their mobile application 254 or desktop application 350, where
by clicking the logo the users can select the alternative delivery
to their vehicles and/or select a delivery option. b) A client of
the cloud based package-exchange-service, after login, can get
redirected to the retail websites for making purchases.
If a package delivery system such as FedEx is selected, the package
delivery system can send a notification to the cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service 340, including Tracking Number and
VIN via the standardized open application programming interfaces.
The notification including the shipping Tracking Number and VIN are
stored in the databases 275 of the cloud based system for
package-exchange-service 340.
(5) The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340 sends
a notification to either the mobile application 254 or the desktop
application 350 on their client device and confirms with the User
their desire to have a package shipped to their vehicle with the
Tracking Number and VIN for the package delivery. The confirmation
notice also acts as a security mechanism to ensure that the user
did in fact elect to have a package delivered to their vehicle
252.
(6) The User supplies a response into either the mobile application
254 or the desktop application 350 on their client device to send
permission (User name and Password) for the telematics system
(module), such as OnStar, to the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service 340. The User name and Password for the
telematics module of the target vehicle can be sent encrypted such
that the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340 may
not discover it. The cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service 340 has a multiple step, such as a
two-phase, verification mechanism. The cloud-based infrastructure
is scripted to validate authorization for the package delivery
service to a registered owner's vehicle. The source of initiating
the request to open up the car is verified twice as a delivery
order key coming from a package delivery vehicle is verified as
well as the car actuation virtual key coming from the telematics
system 310. The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service
340 can tentatively propose a data and time frame for the
alternative package delivery to the customer (See FIGS. 9A-9D for
embodiments of the multiple paired virtual keys and security
authorization notices used by the package-exchange-service.)
(7) After the package arrives at the same city, the package
delivery person 304 uses the package delivery application 315 in
their client device to send the Tracking Number to the cloud based
system of package-exchange-service in order to obtain the vehicle's
information including its current location information.
When the on-board actuation module of the target vehicle is the
on-board telematics module, the on-board telematics module is
configured to send the current GPS coordinates of the target
vehicle to the server of the telematics provider. The server of the
telematics provider is configured to send the GPS coordinates of
the target vehicle to the cloud based system having the GPS-based
proximity module. The data is transmitted, via a secure
communication, from the telematics provider to the GPS-based
proximity module associated with the cloud-based
package-exchange-service.
(8) The package-exchange-service in the cloud 340 sends a request
via the one or more open application programming interfaces to the
OEM backend of the telematics entity system 310 for the vehicle's
current GPS location information using VIN of the target
vehicle.
(9) The telematics system OEM backend site 310 communicates with
the vehicle's navigation system and sends back the vehicle location
information from the vehicle's navigation system via the one or
more open application programming interfaces to the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service 340. The cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service 340 stores this information in its
database.
(10) The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340
responds to the package delivery application 315 in the client
device of the delivery person 304 with the target vehicle's
location information. In an embodiment, the GPS coordinates of the
target vehicle 252 may not be sent to the package delivery
application 315 in the client device of the delivery person 304 and
the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340 may
solely track the distance between the delivery vehicle (truck) 322
and the target vehicle (car) 252.
(11) Upon approaching vehicle 252, the package delivery application
315 in the client device of the delivery person 304 can send a
request to the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service
340 to wake up the vehicle 252 by either automatically detecting a
close proximity by the first threshold distance between the package
delivery vehicle 322 and the target vehicle 252 or can be prompted
by the delivery person to send the request. Alternatively, the
distance between the package delivery vehicle 322 and the target
vehicle 252 can independently be monitored by the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service 340 and the request can be
sent without delivery application 315 or delivery person 304
involvement. The vehicle's telematics module 310 may be in a
sleep-mode as this prevents battery drain when vehicle is not in
use and thus the vehicle's telematics module needs to be sent a
wake up notice. The cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service 340 via the one or more application
programming interfaces sends one or more wake up requests to the
telematics system OEM Backend 310 in order for the telematics
system OEM Backend 310 to wake up the vehicle 252. Alternatively,
the GPS-based proximity control routine in the GPS-proximity module
of the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340 can
calculate the distance between the delivery vehicle 322 and the
target vehicle 252 and send the wake up message. In an embodiment,
the wake up message can be initiated either manually by the
delivery person 304, or automatically by the GPS-based proximity
control routine in the cloud-based system for a
package-exchange-service 340.
Additionally, the distance between the GPS coordinates of the
delivery vehicle 322 having the delivery application 315 resident
in a client device in the delivery vehicle and the target 252
vehicle's GPS coordinates as periodically fed back by the
telematics system OEM Backend 310 and the delivery application 315
is monitored and compared by a GPS-based proximity control routine
in the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340.
(11A) The GPS-based proximity control routine in the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service 340 via the one or more
application programming interfaces sends one or more wake up
requests to the telematics system OEM Backend 310 to wake up the
target vehicle as the package delivery vehicle arrives near the
target vehicle 252. However, without the advanced sequence of wake
up requests, the vehicle telematics control may be in sleep mode
and a delivery driver might be forced to wait 10 minutes or more to
unlock the door. This wake up control ensures that an Unlock
Vehicle command will execute immediately when the package delivery
truck 322 arrives since the vehicle is awake. In order to prevent a
delay due to in-vehicle power saving mode, the vehicle's telematics
module is sent a command (e.g., send your GPS coordinates) to
execute the command before the package delivery truck arrives at
the location of the target vehicle 252 to keep the target vehicle
252 awake so that the target vehicle 252 respond immediately to a
command to unlock the door (see, for example, FIG. 7A). This
improves productivity since the vehicle 252 can be opened
immediately when the package delivery truck 322 arrives, since the
vehicle is awake and ready to accept commands. Note, in an example,
for security, cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340
will grant access to the vehicle only once. Subsequent requests
will not unlock the vehicle even if correct virtual key and valid
time window are present.
(11B) A GPS-based proximity control routine in GPS-based proximity
module the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340
will also send a request via the one or more application
programming interfaces to the telematics system OEM Backend 310 to
send a command to cause a localized alert in the target vehicle so
that the vehicle can blink the vehicle's lights and honk its horn
to alert the delivery driver directly to the target vehicle's
location (see, for example, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B), in order to save
time and aid in locating the target vehicle within rows of parked
cars. Alternatively, the cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service 340 itself can be scripted to send a
command directly to the vehicle's telematics module to blink lights
and honk its horn to alert delivery driver directly to vehicle's
location. This ensures the designated target vehicle is identified
properly and increases efficiency of delivering or picking up of
the package.
(12) Optionally, the GPS-based proximity control routine of the
cloud-based system for a package-exchange-service 340 waits for a
confirmation from the package delivery application 315 that the
vehicles driver 304 has located the target vehicle 252. The
GPS-based proximity control routine composes a correct request
command and sends the request via the one or more application
programming interfaces to the telematics system OEM Backend 310 to
send a command to the intelligent vehicle's telematics module in
the vehicle 252 to open the trunk of the vehicle or some other
electro-mechanical actuation of a window, sunroof, or other opening
to a secure compartment of the target vehicle 252 for transfer of
the package.
(14) The delivery person 304 sends confirmation of the package
delivery/pickup and the securing of the target vehicle 252 via the
delivery application 315 on the client's device to the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service 340.
(15) After receiving a confirmed delivery of the package from the
package delivery application 315 in the delivery person's client
device, the GPS-based proximity control routine in the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service 340 can receive GPS
coordinates from the delivery application 315 in the delivery
person's client device and resume monitoring the delivery person
304. The GPS-based proximity control routine performs distance
monitoring to recognize when the delivery driver is departing and
then is scripted to verify that the target vehicle 252 is locked
and to avoid the delivery person leaving an unlocked vehicle. The
package-exchange-service in the cloud system 340 checks the lock
status of the target vehicle 252 by sending a request to the
telematics system's OEM backend 310.
(16) As described above, the GPS-based proximity control routine in
the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340 sends a
request via the one or more application programming interfaces to
the telematics system OEM Backend 310 to send a command to the
intelligent telematics module in the vehicle 252 to check the lock
status and to confirm the vehicle's doors/trunk is both closed and
locked. The telematics system's OEM backend 310 also responds back
with a lock confirmation that the vehicle's doors/trunk is both
closed and locked, or does not confirm lock status. If not
confirming, the GPS-based proximity control routine in the cloud
based system for a package-exchange-service 340 sends a request via
the one or more application programming interfaces to the
telematics system OEM backend 310 to send a command to the
intelligent vehicle's telematics module in the vehicle 252 to close
and lock the vehicle's doors/trunk. This feature improves security
to insure the vehicle 252 is locked after departure and is not left
unlocked.
(17) The cloud based system for a package-exchange-service 340
sends delivery confirmation to the User on either the mobile
application 254 or the desktop application 350 on their client
device.
In an embodiment, the target vehicle's on-board actuation module is
a telematics module that is configured to 1) send data including
GPS coordinates of the target vehicle to an OEM telematics
provider, and 2) receive one or more commands from the OEM
telematics provider. The server of the OEM telematics provider is
configured to send the GPS coordinates of the target vehicle to the
cloud-based server with the GPS-based proximity module. Also, the
one or more processors in the cloud based server site are
configured to calculate the first threshold distance, and then
issue a request to a server of the OEM telematics provider to issue
the command to wake up the telematics module of the target vehicle
by pinging the telematics module with intervals shorter than a
predefined idle time before going to sleep of the telematics
module. As an example, the idle time before going to sleep of the
on-board Telematics module of the target vehicle can be between 5
to 20 minutes (e.g., 10 minutes).
In an embodiment, the target vehicle's on-board actuation module is
a dongle module that is coupled to a fault and diagnostic module
installed in the target vehicle of the user and is configured to
retrieve diagnostic data including the current GPS coordinates of
the target vehicle of the user. The on-board dongle module is
configured to send the current GPS coordinates of the target
vehicle of the user via a Wi-Fi or cellular communication to the
GPS-based proximity module. The on-board dongle module may also
include a Radio Frequency circuitry of a key fob to communicate
with a local client device, such as a smart phone or hand held
device, and is configured to perform the commands by transmitting
RF signals that include the commands to a Body Control Module (BCM)
of the target vehicle of the customer, where the security token is
a rolling security key of the BCM that is included in the
transmitted signals and is used by the BMC for verifying the
authentication of the commands.
In an embodiment, the target vehicle's on-board actuation module is
an on-board RF module having a radio frequency communication
circuit configured to establish a secure communication with the
security module to receive the commands and the security token via
the local client device. The on-board RF module includes an RF
circuitry of a key fob and is configured to perform the commands by
transmitting RF signals.
In an embodiment, the on-board actuation module is an on-board
telematics module coupled to a network of a telematics provider. In
response to a user request and after a user login using user's
credentials through the second client device to the telematics
provider, the telematics provider is configured to provide the
security token to the second client device of the user via a first
secure communication. Before sending a command on behalf of the
user to the telematics provider, the security module is configured
to send the security token to a server of the telematics provider.
The security token is used by a verification module running on one
or more servers of a telematics provider to verify the user and
target vehicle. In response to receiving the security token and
after the verification, the telematics provider supplies, via a
second secure communication, a second virtual key to the security
module to be used for authenticating further communications from
the security module to the telematics provider. The security module
is configured to send the second virtual key and the commands to
the telematics provider. The one or more servers of the telematics
provider perform a second authentication using the second virtual
key before sending the commands to the on-board telematics module
in the target vehicle.
High-Level Description of the Package-Exchange-Service
Processes
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate flow diagrams of embodiment of the
alternative delivery system.
i) Registration and purchase: There are multiple time periods and
methods a customer can select to register with the
package-exchange-service. Upon registering, a first database in the
one or more databases may be also configured to contain and index
information regarding for each user including: User ID and password
for the package-exchange-service, User name, email, etc., security
questions, vehicle VIN, vehicle model, color and year, and other
similar information. FIGS. 14-16 illustrate steps of signing in or
logging in using an application provided by the cloud based system
for a package-exchange-service.
1) When purchasing a new car at the dealership: i) the customer is
offered to install a dongle module associated with the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service. The new car may already have
a telematics module but the dongle module can be installed in
addition to the telematics module. ii) After accepting the offer of
installing a dongle module or when a telematics module is already
installed, the customer is offered to sign-up for the
package-exchange-service, iii) the customer signs up for the Box2Go
service application in the cloud-based package-exchange-service
using a paper form and the customer downloads the Box2Go mobile app
into their client device, iv) the customer logs-in to the Box2Go
mobile app at least once to activate the Box2Go service application
in the cloud-based package-exchange-service. Next, the cloud-based
package-exchange-service automatically tracks the Authentication
Key and Refresh Key for the user and stores it as part of the
registration.
2) A customer may register using the Box2Go Application by i) using
the Box2Go app to sign up, ii) When the actuation module of the
target vehicle of the customer is a telematics module, Box2Go
collects the registration information for the telematics system
site (e.g. OnStar's Backend site), iii) the telematics system site
finishes the registration and returns the Authentication Key and
Refresh Key, and lastly iv) the cloud-based
package-exchange-service stores the Authentication Key and Refresh
Key as part of the registration.
3) When an already existing User of a telematics provider
registers, the Box2Go app collects the username and password from
the telematics system site customer, Box2Go signs up the customer,
and the telematics system site returns the Authentication Key and
Refresh Key. The cloud-based package-exchange-service can store,
e.g., an encrypted version of the Authentication Key and Refresh
Key as part of the registration.
4) The shopping experience may be as follows. While shopping at a
retail store, at checkout, the customer will i) purchase a product
on a retail website e.g. Amazon, BestBuy, eBay, etc., ii) be
offered an option on the user interface to have the purchased items
delivered to his car using the Box2Go service application in the
cloud-based package-exchange-service, iii) selects the delivery
method as "Box2Go Delivery," to have the package delivered to the
vehicle, iv) optionally, selects the expected location of the
vehicle to be either work or home, and v) checks-out and places the
order with the retailer and then may redirect the customer to
website of the cloud based system for a package-exchange-service to
select a package delivery service. The retailer will fulfill the
order and prepare the package for delivery and inform the cloud
based system for a package-exchange-service when to pick up the
package.
ii) The Box2Go Delivery Process for use cases including
communications via Wi-Fi hotspots, the telematics solution, and
blue tooth exchanges between the internal intelligent software in
the vehicle itself and the downloaded application resident on the
client device.
The security module in the server associated with the
package-exchange-service is configured to communicate with the
server of the merchant/retail site to receive purchase information
after the checkout point and completion of the purchase by the
customer. For example, an application resident on the first client
device of the customer is configured to allow the customer to login
to the customer's account of the package-exchange-service in order
to track the delivery of the purchased products. The security
module in the server associated with the package-exchange-service
is configured to receive one or more customer verification requests
from the servers of the one or more retail websites. In response to
a customer verification request from the retail website, the
security module is configured 1) to provide a login screen for the
customer of the retail website. An application (e.g., a web
application of the retail website) resident on the client device of
the customer is redirected from the retail website to the login
screen of the cloud based package-exchange-service to enter
customer credentials corresponding to a customer's account of the
package-exchange-service. The security module is also configured 2)
to receive from the server of the retail website, the customer
credentials corresponding to the customer's account of the
package-exchange-service such that the customer can be verified
based on the customer credentials including a username and other
credentials and the verification result is sent back to the retail
website. Thus, after the customer verification based on the
customer credentials including a username and a password and zero
or more security questions, the security module can provide a
response to the server of the retail website. The response can
include information regarding the services for package exchange
available to the customer and the target vehicle associated with
the customer. The package delivery systems and/or a list of local
package delivery services that can deliver the purchased products
from the retail website to the associated target vehicle of the
customer.
1) For packages marked for "Box2Go Delivery", the cloud based
system for a package-exchange-service initiates a query process for
the delivery of the package with the package-exchange-service in
the cloud. The package-exchange-service cloud verifies the customer
information who requested the package delivery in its system and
confirms that the customer has the Box2Go service application in
the cloud-based package-exchange-service available to allow for
such a delivery and also confirms the user has selected a package
delivery service. The package-exchange-service cloud then sends
verification back to the package delivery vehicle that the customer
can accept a Box2Go delivery.
iii) Shipping Experience
Delivery Planning
1) Prior to the package delivery vehicle's route planning, the
cloud-based package-exchange-service sends a push message
(preferably early in the morning) to the customer's cell phone of
the Customer requesting confirmation for the vehicle delivery for
the package with the Order details. The Customer confirms the
vehicle delivery option by sending a message back to the
cloud-based package-exchange-service. The customer may notice a
push-message for Box2Go application (see, for example, FIG. 12).
Once the cloud-based package-exchange-service receives the
customer's confirmation for the car delivery, the cloud-based
package-exchange-service will generate a virtual Car Key. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service sends a virtual Car Key to the
package delivery vehicle. The virtual Car Key is issued with a
limited shelf life and will expire even if not used within a
defined amount of time, such as 4 hours. Note, the dual key
security protects against if either the virtual Car key or access
token are compromised. The limited shelf life expiration protects
against if BOTH the virtual Car Key and access token are
compromised, they are only valid for a limited window of time
established by the cloud-based package-exchange-service. Thus, the
security of the vehicle is protected in multiple ways. The package
delivery person then links the virtual Car Key to the delivery
order. The package delivery vehicle is then ready to execute the
package delivery to the Customer's vehicle.
A shipping and tracking module in the one or more of servers of the
cloud based package-exchange-service can be configured to supply
servers and databases of one or more retail websites with
information regarding services for package exchange operations
available to one or more customers and associated vehicles of the
customers. The shipping and tracking module is configured to
provide package delivery services information for the package
exchange operations with a vehicle of a customer to a second server
of a first retail website. The package delivery services
information includes either of 1) one or more package delivery
systems (e.g., FedEx) with their servers that are set up to
cooperate with the servers of the package-exchange-service to
deliver one or more purchased products from the first retail
website to an associated target vehicle of the customer, or 2) a
list of local delivery services that are registered in a database
associated with the package-exchange-service. The package delivery
services information which is sent from the first server of the
package-exchange-service to the second server of the first retail
website enables the first retail website to present a button (e.g.,
a button labeled "Box2Go") on a user interface of a shopping
application (e.g., a web application) resident on a first client
device of the customer. The first client device is coupled to the
first retail website for purchasing products from the first retail
website and the presented button can enable the customer at a
checkout point of the purchase from the first retail website to
select an alternative package delivery option of delivering the one
or more purchased products to the associated target vehicle of the
customer. The presented button can enable the customer at the
checkout point of the purchase from the first retail website, to
select one of the delivery systems or a local delivery service from
the list of local delivery services.
The shipping and tracking module in the first server associated
with the package-exchange-service can be configured to communicate
with the second server of the first retail website to receive
purchase information after the checkout point and completion of the
purchase by the customer. The purchase information includes the
package delivery services information regarding the customer
including their name, and the target vehicle of the customer, at
least one of a package delivery system or a local delivery service
that is selected to exchange the purchased products with the target
vehicle of the customer, and an expected delivery date and delivery
location. The purchase information is stored in the one or more
databases in the cloud based package-exchange-service. The shipping
and tracking module is configured to cooperate with at least a
first database and a first processor of the cloud based provider
site to process information including a shipping Tracking Number
(TN) and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the target
vehicle associated with the purchase and to register the purchase
information and a request for package delivery to the target
vehicle of the customer in one of the databases of the cloud based
provider site associated with the package-exchange-service.
Pre-Delivery
2) A package delivery vehicle may deliver more than one package to
more than one location. The cloud based system for a
package-exchange-service prepares the Box2Go packages to be
delivered to the customer's car. The package delivery vehicle plans
the delivery route based on either the address selected for Box2Go
delivery at the time of checkout or the current location of the
vehicle. On delivery day, the package delivery vehicle looks up the
virtual Car Key associated with the order in the Box2Go app. The
package delivery vehicle contacts the cloud-based
package-exchange-service to get the location of the target car. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service then receives the last known
location of the car and sends it back to the package delivery
vehicle's Box2Go app. If the current location of the vehicle is in
his delivery zone, the package delivery vehicle moves ahead with
the delivery. If the vehicle to deliver to is not in the delivery
zone, then that delivery is skipped and marked for differed mail
delivery.
Real-Time Tracking of the Package Delivery Vehicle.
3) While tracking the package delivery vehicle driving toward the
delivery location, an application, downloadable from the cloud
based system for a package-exchange-service, in the delivery
vehicle can notify the cloud-based package-exchange-service of the
delivery vehicle's location. The cloud-based
package-exchange-service anticipates the delivery of a package to
the car and can wake up the vehicle's system by issuing a command.
When the package delivery vehicle approaches near the car (like 100
meters), the cloud-based package-exchange-service automatically
alerts the vehicle and the vehicle starts flashing lights and beeps
a few times. This helps the package delivery vehicle's driver to
locate the exact vehicle in a parking lot.
4) To unlock the car once package delivery vehicle reaches the car,
the application used by the delivery person uses the Box2Go app to
send an Unlock command. The cloud-based package-exchange-service
intercepts this command and issues an Unlock command to either of:
1) the dongle module of the target vehicle, 2) the telematics
module of the target vehicle, or 3) a client device of the delivery
person/vehicle. As an example, the telematics system site triggers
an unlock request in the car's telematics module by sending this
Unlock command to electromechanically unlock a trunk or door of the
vehicle.
5) The delivery person places the package inside the customer's
car, closes the car door/trunk, and then uses the Box2Go app to
send a lock command. Like above, the cloud-based
package-exchange-service intercepts this command and issues a Lock
command to the telematics system site. The telematics system site
triggers a lock request in the car's telematics module by sending
the lock command.
6) A confirmation message is sent from the package-exchange-service
to the customer on the Box2Go app on the customer's cell phone. The
delivery process is completed when the package-exchange-service
destroys the virtual CarKey for the order (see, for example, FIG.
12).
Revenue
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate block and flow diagrams of embodiment of the
value proposition of the alternative delivery system. As discussed
above, the user/customer may pay an additional fee on a per
delivery/per pick-up instance to use the package-exchange-service.
The user/customer may pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee for
all deliveries and pick-ups of packages to use the
package-exchange-service. The user/customer may pay on another
usage case model. A revenue sharing agreement may be in place
between the retailer, the package-exchange-service, the local
package delivery services, and the OEM telematics provider. The
delivery service may subsidize the delivery of packages to increase
volume, make package delivery more efficient, and eliminate
re-delivering of packages. For example, in a survey of United
Kingdom deliveries, 12% of deliveries failed first time. This costs
the delivery industry $1.3 billion in re-deliveries per year.
Advertisers may also subsidize the delivery of packages by
placement of advertisements in the order placing and delivery
process. Combinations of the above may be used in the revenue
generating processes for using the package-exchange-service. The
backend servers of the delivery service, the
package-exchange-service, and retailer sites collect and distribute
the compensation.
Package Pick-Up
In an embodiment, the cloud based package-exchange-service can
perform as a retail website and provide selectable items to the
customer. The cloud-based package-exchange-service can establish
revenue sharing agreement with one or more retail stores and
display the products of the retail stores on the cloud based
package-exchange-service user interface for the customer to
select.
In an embodiment, the cloud-based package-exchange-service can
establish revenue sharing agreement with the registered local
delivery services.
In an embodiment, a selected local delivery service is directed by
the cloud based package-exchange-service to acquire the items
ordered by a customer from one or more retail stores and deliver
them to a target vehicle of the customer.
In an embodiment, the cloud based package-exchange-service can
include one or more distribution centers such that a first group of
local package delivery services transfer the packages from the one
or more retail stores to the distribution centers and then a second
group of package delivery services deliver the packages to the
customers.
Computing System
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system
that may be used in an embodiment of one or more of the servers,
in-vehicle electronic modules, and client devices discussed herein.
The computing system environment 800 is only one example of a
suitable computing environment, such as a client device, server,
in-vehicle electronic module, etc., and is not intended to suggest
any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the
design of the computing system 810. Neither should the computing
environment 800 be interpreted as having any dependency or
requirement relating to any one or combination of components
illustrated in the exemplary operating environment 800.
With reference to FIG. 1, components of the computing system 810
may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 820 having
one or more processing cores, a system memory 830, and a system bus
821 that couples various system components including the system
memory to the processing unit 820. The system bus 821 may be any of
several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not
limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus,
Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association
(VESA) locale bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
bus.
Computing system 810 typically includes a variety of computing
machine-readable media. Computing machine-readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by computing system 810 and
includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computing machine readable mediums uses include storage of
information, such as computer readable instructions, data
structures, other software or other data. Computer storage mediums
include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or
other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other tangible medium which can be used to store the desired
information and which can be accessed by computing device 800.
However, carrier waves would not fall into a computer readable
medium. Communication media typically embodies computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other transport
mechanism and includes any information delivery media.
The system memory 830 includes computer storage media in the form
of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory
(ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832. A basic input/output
system 833 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within computing system 810,
such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 831. RAM 832
typically contains data and/or software that are immediately
accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit
820. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 1 illustrates
operating system 834, other software 836, and program data 837.
The computing system 810 may also include other
removable/non-removable volatile/nonvolatile computer storage
media. By way of example only, FIG. 1 illustrates a hard disk drive
841 that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile
magnetic media nonvolatile optical disk 856 such as a CD ROM or
other optical media. Other removable/non-removable,
volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the
exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to,
USB drives and devices, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory
cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state
RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive 841 is
typically connected to the system bus 821 through a non-removable
memory interface such as interface 840, and magnetic disk drive 851
and optical disk drive 855 are typically connected to the system
bus 821 by a removable memory interface, such as interface 850.
The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed
above and illustrated in FIG. 1, provide storage of computer
readable instructions, data structures, other software and other
data for the computing system 810. In FIG. 1, for example, hard
disk drive 841 is illustrated as storing operating system 844,
other software 846, and program data 847. Note that these
components can either be the same as or different from operating
system 834, other software 836, and program data 837. Operating
system 844, other software 846, and program data 847 are given
different numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are
different copies.
A user may enter commands and information into the computing system
810 through input devices such as a keyboard 862, a microphone 863,
a pointing device 861, such as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. The
microphone 863 may cooperate with speech recognition software.
These and other input devices are often connected to the processing
unit 820 through a user input interface 860 that is coupled to the
system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus
structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal
serial bus (USB). A display monitor 891 or other type of display
screen device is also connected to the system bus 821 via an
interface, such as a video interface 890. In addition to the
monitor, computing devices may also include other peripheral output
devices such as speakers 897 and other output device 896, which may
be connected through an output peripheral interface 890.
The computing system 810 may operate in a networked environment
using logical connections to one or more remote computers/client
devices, such as a remote computing device 880. The remote
computing device 880 may be a personal computer, a hand-held
device, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other
common network node, and typically includes many or all of the
elements described above relative to the computing system 810. The
logical connections depicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network
(LAN) 871 and a wide area network (WAN) 873, but may also include
other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in
offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the
Internet. A browser application may be resident on the computing
device and stored in the memory.
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computing system 810
is connected to the LAN 871 through a network interface or adapter
870. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computing
system 810 typically includes a modem 872 or other means for
establishing communications over the WAN 873, such as the Internet.
The modem 872, which may be internal or external, may be connected
to the system bus 821 via the user-input interface 860, or other
appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, other software
depicted relative to the computing system 810, or portions thereof,
may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of
example, and not limitation, FIG. 1 illustrates remote application
programs 885 as residing on remote computing device 880. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computing devices may be used.
As discussed, the computing system may include a processor, a
memory, a built in battery to power the computing device, an AC
power input, potentially a built-in video camera, a display screen,
a built-in Wi-Fi circuitry to wirelessly communicate with a remote
computing device connected to network.
It should be noted that the present design can be carried out on a
computing system such as that described with respect to FIG. 1.
However, the present design can be carried out on a server, a
computing device devoted to message handling, or on a distributed
system in which different portions of the present design are
carried out on different parts of the distributed computing
system.
Another device that may be coupled to bus 811 is a power supply
such as a battery and Alternating Current adapter circuit. As
discussed above, the DC power supply may be a battery, a fuel cell,
or similar DC power source that needs to be recharged on a periodic
basis. The wireless communication module 872 may employ a Wireless
Application Protocol to establish a wireless communication channel.
The wireless communication module 872 may implement a wireless
networking standard such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, IEEE std. 802.11-1999, published
by IEEE in 1999.
Examples of mobile computing devices may be a laptop computer, a
cell phone, a personal digital assistant, or other similar device
with on board processing power and wireless communications ability
that is powered by a Direct Current (DC) power source that supplies
DC voltage to the mobile device and that is solely within the
mobile computing device and needs to be recharged on a periodic
basis, such as a fuel cell or a battery.
Vehicle's Intelligent Transport Systems to Integrate with a
Connected Network Environment
A vehicle has hardware and software that can take control of the
vehicle for a short period including activating electromechanical
mechanisms that are part of the vehicle, such as a RF access
module, a key fob module, and/or a BCM module. The vehicle has
hardware and software for networking between the cloud based site
as well as potentially between other vehicles to cause related
automation within the vehicle based on communications between the
vehicle and the cloud and/or other vehicles. The vehicle's Cellular
Interface system is configured to allow cellular phones access the
automobile computer systems, interpret the information and show the
text on the cellular phones display while simultaneously
transmitting the retrieved information, as well as characteristic
and states of the cellular phone used to access the vehicle
computer system, to a global network that would alert parties who
could assist or benefit from the retrieved automobile information.
A cellular phone with a software application can establish a
connection with the vehicle's on-board diagnostic computer and/or
other on-board intelligent control systems.
The system can interface with a client device, such as a mobile
phone, with the on-board computing system in the vehicle. The
on-board diagnostic computing device may monitor a set of
operational characteristics of a vehicle and communicate that
diagnostic to both the driver and with the cloud. The information
derived from this system can also be conveyed and processed on a
mobile client device coupled with additional information and
displayed on the mobile client device's display screen, while
simultaneously transmitting this information over the Internet to
be stored in a database.
At the point of communication negotiation, an application on the
client device extracts position location information from the
vehicle's navigation system and transmits the response from the
vehicle's navigation system and the location to a server ready to
receive this information. Alternatively, an application can extract
similar position information from GPS module internal to the client
device itself.
In an embodiment, the standard for the automotive industry for
vehicles may use is the SAE J1850 communications protocol, which
utilizes variable pulse width modulation and pulse width
modulation. This means that the width of the pulse determines
whether it is a 1 or a 0. Most phones form communication with
serial connections (RS-232, Infrared . . . etc.) and wireless
connection protocols (Bluetooth, Infrared . . . etc.). These two
protocols must be converted or bridged by some sort of
microprocessor so the two communication methodologies can
communicate with each other. This can be accomplished by using an
integrated circuit that can be used to convert the OBD-II signal
(which includes different protocols such as, but not limited to:
J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230, ISO 15765) to one of
the aforementioned phone communication formats.
Network Environment
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate diagrams of a network environment in which
the techniques described may be applied. The network environment
200 has a communications network 220 that connects server computing
systems 204A through 204D, and at least one or more client
computing systems 200A to 200D. As shown, there may be many server
computing systems 204A through 204D and many client computing
systems 200A through 200D connected to each other via the network
220, which may be, for example, the Internet. Note, that
alternatively the network 220 might be or include one or more of:
an optical network, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide
Area Network (WAN), satellite link, fiber network, cable network,
or a combination of these and/or others. It is to be further
appreciated that the use of the terms client computing system and
server computing system is for clarity in specifying who generally
initiates a communication (the client computing system) and who
responds (the server computing system). No hierarchy is implied
unless explicitly stated. Both functions may be in a single
communicating device, in which case the client-server and
server-client relationship may be viewed as peer-to-peer. Thus, if
two systems such as the client computing system 200A and the server
computing system 204A can both initiate and respond to
communications, their communication may be viewed as peer-to-peer.
Likewise, communications between the client computing systems 200A
and 200B, and the server computing systems 204A and 204B may be
viewed as peer-to-peer if each such communicating device is capable
of initiation and response to communication. Additionally, server
computing systems 204A-204D also have circuitry and software to
communication with each other across the network 220. One or more
of the server computing systems 204A to 204D may be associated with
a database such as, for example, the databases 206A to 206D. Each
server may have one or more instances of a virtual server running
on that physical server and multiple virtual instances may be
implemented by the design. A firewall may be established between a
client computing system 200A and the network 220 to protect data
integrity on the client computing system 200A. Each server
computing system 204A-204D may have one or more firewalls.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate block diagrams of an embodiment of a
cloud-based package-exchange-service hosted on the cloud-based
provider site that automates a package delivery to and pick up from
the vehicle process. The cloud-based package-exchange-service is
hosted on a cloud-based provider site that contains one or more
servers and one or more databases.
A cloud provider service can install and operate application
software in the cloud and users can access the software service
from the client devices. Cloud users who have a site in the cloud
may not solely manage the cloud infrastructure and platform where
the application runs. Thus, the servers and databases may be shared
hardware where the user is given a certain amount of dedicate use
of these resources. The user's cloud based site is given a virtual
amount of dedicated space and bandwidth in the cloud. Cloud
applications can be different from other applications in their
scalability--which can be achieved by cloning tasks onto multiple
virtual machines at run-time to meet changing work demand. Load
balancers distribute the work over the set of virtual machines.
This process is transparent to the cloud user, who sees only a
single access point.
The cloud-based package-exchange-service is coded to utilize a
protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), to engage in
a request and response cycle with both a mobile device application
resident on a client device as well as a web-browser application
resident on the client device. The cloud-based
package-exchange-service has one or more routines to automate a
package delivery to and pick up from the vehicle process. The
cloud-based package-exchange-service can be accessed by a mobile
device, a desktop, a tablet device and other similar devices,
anytime, anywhere. Thus, the cloud-based package-exchange-service
hosted on a cloud-based provider site is coded to engage in 1) the
request and response cycle from all web browser based applications,
2) SMS/twitter based request and response message exchanges, 3) the
request and response cycle from a dedicated on-line server, 4) the
request and response cycle directly between a native mobile
application resident on a client device and the cloud-based
package-exchange-service, and 5) combinations of these.
The cloud-based package-exchange-service has one or more
application programming interfaces (APIs) with two or more of the
OEM `remote access/connectivity` systems, such as telematics system
sites, such as OnStar, Lexus Linksys, Ford Sync, Uconnect,
MBConnect, BMWConnect, etc. The APIs may be a published standard
for the connection to each OEM `remote access/connectivity` system.
Optionally, the cloud-based package-exchange-service has two or
more application programming interfaces with the package delivery
entity sites, such as FedEx, UPS, etc. The APIs may also be an open
source API. One or more of the API's may be customized to
closed/non-published APIs of a remote access/connectivity` site
and/or package delivery entity site. The cloud-based
package-exchange-service is coded to establish a secure
communication link between each package delivery entity site and
the cloud provider site. The cloud-based package-exchange-service
is coded to establish a secure communication link between each
telematics system site and the cloud provider site. The software
service is coded to establish the secure communication link by
creating a tunnel at the socket layer and encrypting any data while
in transit between each package delivery entity sites and the
provider site as well as to satisfy any additional authentication
mechanisms required by the direct lending institution, including
but not limited to IP address white listing and token based
authentication.
In an embodiment, the server computing system 204 may include a
server engine, a web page management component, a content
management component and a database management component. The
server engine performs basic processing and operating system level
tasks. The web page management component handles creation and
display or routing of web pages or screens associated with
receiving and providing digital content and digital advertisements.
Users may access the server-computing device by means of a URL
associated therewith. The content management component handles most
of the functions in the embodiments described herein. The database
management component includes storage and retrieval tasks with
respect to the database, queries to the database, and storage of
data.
An embodiment of a server computing system to display information,
such as a web page, etc. is discussed. An application including any
program modules, when executed on the server computing system 204A,
causes the server computing system 204A to display windows and user
interface screens on a portion of a media space, such as a web
page. A user via a browser from the client computing system 200A
may interact with the web page, and then supply input to the
query/fields and/or service presented by a user interface of the
application. The web page may be served by a web server computing
system 204A on any Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or Wireless
Access Protocol (WAP) enabled client computing system 200A or any
equivalent thereof. For example, the client mobile computing system
200A may be a smart phone, a touch pad, a laptop, a netbook, etc.
The client computing system 200A may host a browser to interact
with the server computing system 204A. Each application has a code
scripted to perform the functions that the software component is
coded to carry out such as presenting fields and icons to take
details of desired information. Algorithms, routines, and engines
within the server computing system 204A take the information from
the presenting fields and icons and put that information into an
appropriate storage medium such as a database. A comparison wizard
is scripted to refer to a database and make use of such data. The
applications may be hosted on the server computing system 204A and
served to the browser of the client computing system 200A. The
applications then serve pages that allow entry of details and
further pages that allow entry of more details.
Telematics System
The telematics system uses telecommunications, vehicular
technologies, electrical sensors, instrumentation, and wireless
communications modules to allow communication with between the
cloud and a vehicle. The telematics system site sends, receives and
stores information via a telematics module to affect control on
objects in the vehicle. Telematics includes but is not limited to
Global Positioning System technology integrated with computers and
mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems.
Telematics also includes cloud-based interaction with an integrated
hands-free cell phone system in the vehicle, wireless safety
communication system in the vehicle, and automatic driving
assistance systems.
A wireless communication circuit exchanges communication between
the mobile client device and the vehicle. The wireless
communication circuit executes instructions with the processor via
a bus system. The wireless communication circuit can be configured
to communicate to RF (radio frequency), satellites, cellular phones
(analog or digital), Bluetooth.RTM.V, Wi-Fi, Infrared, Zigby, Local
Area Networks (LAN), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), or other
wireless communication configurations and standards. The wireless
communication circuit allows the vehicle's intelligence systems
such as the telematics module and other diagnostic tools to
communicate with other devices wirelessly. The wireless
communication circuit includes an antenna built therein and being
housed within the housing or can be externally located on the
housing.
The Telecommunications and Informatics applied in wireless
technologies and computational systems may be based on 802.11p. The
IEEE standard in the 802.11 family and also referred to as Wireless
Access for the Vehicular Environment (WAVE) is the primary standard
that addresses and enhances Intelligent Transportation System.
An example telematics module sends commands and exchanges
information other electronic circuits, electromechanical devices,
and electromagnetic devices in the vehicle. The telematics module
may operate in conjunction with computer-controlled devices and
radio transceivers to provide precision repeatability functions
(such as in robotics artificial intelligence systems) and emergency
warning performance systems located in and exchanged between
vehicles.
Additional intelligent vehicle technologies are car safety systems
and self-contained autonomous electromechanical sensors to generate
warnings that can be transmitted within a specified targeted area
of interest, say within 100 meters of the emergency warning system
for vehicles transceiver. In ground applications, intelligent
vehicle technologies are utilized for safety and commercial
communications between vehicles or between a vehicle and a sensor
along the road.
The wireless communication circuits in the vehicle or in a client
device are configured to give access to the mobile Internet via a
cellular telephone service provider. The mobile Internet is
wireless access that hands off the mobile client device or vehicle
from one radio tower to another radio tower while the vehicle or
device is moving across the service area. Also, in some instances,
Wi-Fi may be available for users on the move so that a wireless
base station connects directly to an Internet service provider,
rather than through the telephone system.
Scripted Code
In regards of viewing ability of an on-line site: the scripted code
for the on-line site, such as a website, social media site, etc.,
is configured to adapted to be i) viewed on tablets and mobile
phones, such as individual downloadable applications in data stores
that are designed to interface with the on-line site, ii) viewable
on a screen in the vehicle, as well as iii) viewable on a screen of
a desktop computer via a browser. Those skilled in the relevant art
will appreciate that the invention can be practiced with other
computer system configurations, including Internet appliances,
hand-held devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones,
multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers,
mainframe computers and the like.
Mobile web applications and native applications can be downloaded
from a cloud-based site. The mobile web applications and native
applications have direct access to the hardware of mobile devices
(including accelerometers and GPS chips), and the speed and
abilities of browser-based applications. Information about the
mobile phone and the vehicle's location is gathered by software
housed on the phone.
One or more scripted routines for the cloud-based
package-exchange-service are configured to collect and provide
features such as those described herein.
Any application and other scripted code components may be stored on
a non-transitory computing machine-readable medium which, when
executed on the server causes the server to perform those
functions. The applications including program modules may be
implemented as logical sequences of software code, hardware logic
circuits, and any combination of the two, and portions of the
application scripted in software code are stored in a
non-transitory computing device readable medium in an executable
format. In an embodiment, the hardware logic consists of electronic
circuits that follow the rules of Boolean Logic, software that
contain patterns of instructions, or any combination of both.
The design is also described in the general context of computing
device executable instructions, such as applications etc. being
executed by a computing device. Generally, programs include
routines, objects, widgets, plug-ins, and other similar structures
that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data
types. Those skilled in the art can implement the description
and/or figures herein as computer-executable instructions, which
can be embodied on any form of computing machine readable media
discussed herein.
Some portions of the detailed descriptions herein are presented in
terms of algorithms/routines and symbolic representations of
operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic
descriptions and representations are the means used by those
skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An
algorithm/routine is here, and generally, conceived to be a
self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The
steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical
quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take
the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has
proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common
usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These
algorithms/routine of the application including the program modules
may be written in a number of different software programming
languages such as C, C++, Java, HTML, or other similar
languages.
Many online pages on a server, such as web pages, are written using
the same language, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), which is
passed around using a common protocol--HTTP. HTTP is the common
Internet language (dialect, or specification). Through the use of a
web browser, a special piece of software that interprets HTTP and
renders HTML into a human-readable form, web pages authored in HTML
on any type of computer can be read anywhere, including telephones,
PDAs and even popular games consoles. Because of HTTP, a client
machine (like your computer) knows that it has to be the one to
initiate a request for a web page; it sends this request to a
server. A server may be a computing device where web sites
reside--when you type a web address into your browser, a server
receives your request, finds the web page you want, and sends it
back to your desktop or mobile computing device to be displayed in
your web browser. The client device and server may bilaterally
communicate via a HTTP request & response cycle between the
two.
It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar
terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities
and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above
discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the description,
discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or
"calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or the like, refer
to the action and processes of a computing system, or similar
electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data
represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the
computing system's registers and memories into other data similarly
represented as physical quantities within the computing system
memories or registers, or other such information storage,
transmission or display devices.
Although embodiments of this design have been fully described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that
various changes and modifications will become apparent to those
skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be
understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of
this design as defined by the appended claims. The invention is to
be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described
herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References